CSM Data Analysis & Decision Making 2

Question 1

A software manager notices that defect rates spike every Friday afternoon. Which analytical technique best identifies this pattern?

Accepted Answer

Time-series analysis with control charts

Answer

Time-series analysis with control charts reveals temporal patterns and trends in process data, making Friday spikes visible.

Question 2

When evaluating a build-vs-buy decision for a software component, which quantitative method best accounts for uncertainty in future maintenance costs?

Accepted Answer

Net Present Value (NPV) with sensitivity analysis

Answer

NPV with sensitivity analysis accounts for the time value of money and tests how outcomes change under different cost assumptions.

Question 3

A project dashboard shows Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 0.85 and Cost Performance Index (CPI) of 1.10. What is the most accurate interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The project is behind schedule but under budget

Answer

SPI below 1.0 means behind schedule; CPI above 1.0 means under budget — both relative to the performance measurement baseline.

Question 4

Which statistical concept describes the tendency of extreme measurements to move closer to the average on subsequent measurements, potentially misleading managers?

Accepted Answer

Regression to the mean

Answer

Regression to the mean causes extreme values to drift back toward the average, which can make an intervention appear effective when it was not.

Question 5

A software manager must choose between two risk mitigation strategies. Strategy A has a 70% chance of saving $200K and Strategy B has a 40% chance of saving $400K. Based purely on expected value, which is preferred?

Accepted Answer

Strategy B ($160K expected value)

Answer

Strategy B's expected value is 0.40 × $400K = $160K, which exceeds Strategy A's 0.70 × $200K = $140K.

(CSM) Certified Software Manager Practice Test

(CSM) Certified Software Manager Practice Test

CSM Data Analysis & Decision Making 2